Interesting info, thanks! I think its too bad things like that are abstracted away. Would be better to show a mobilization percentage or even a mobilization percentage for different regions. (perhaps tied to limits in war, lost territory etc. to prevent for ex. UK from being OP)Yup, the only way to learn is to play, play, play.
It comes down to issues with real life population, mobilisation sizes etc. I mean, the UK had a population of like 570 million in 1936 (obviously mostly in India) - but if their manpower reflected this they would be obscenely OP, not to mention the fact they didn't mobilise anywhere near as much of their population as the Soviet Union, for example. Similarly, the Netherlands and Belgium ruled over populations equal to that of Germany with Austria, the Sudentenland and Czechoslovakia factored in - but it would be unrealistic to expect similar manpower sizes for the Netherlands and Belgium as we get with Germany.
Sometimes, we gotta deal with the game, rather than realism.
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Part 13: A victory parade in blood
New victory parades are held during September to celebrate the encircled troops capture in the huge pockets created earlier during 1938. By the end of September the northern pocket was finally obliterated. For those keeping count China and its allies have now lost a minimum of 95 confirmed divisions + those annihilated in the middle of each pocket so far.
By the time we are done with the southern pocket that figure will be well over 135, a horrendous figure. You will also note that the fighting is far from over...
In the northern part of China the glorious Japanese forces have successfully eliminated a small pocket with 5 divisions and are now moving in on the fortified city of Yan'an. This city also hold one of few capable airports in the inner parts of China. Completely surrounding the city might not be neccesary, the emperor cannot wait for months while troops slowly traverse the inhospitable terrain and allow the enemy time to strengthen their defences. Combined attack on the already shaken enemy will win the day!
The yellow markings on the map show the border as it stood in July 1938. Also note that attacks are primarily made through regions such as plains and avoiding mountains and river crossings where possible. This is not something that is apparant on these maps, but operational command take such things into account when planning offensives.
Now, the central and southern front, once again, yellow indicates the status from June 1938.
By late October the southern pocket is finally eliminated and the battered divisions are allowed a few days of rest as they take up their positions for renewed assaults. The later part of 1938 has seen some of the harshest fighting of the war so far. At the same time the short lull in the fighting is only a prelude to even more fighting with promises of a very violent crescendo!
The southern forces main target is Guangxi Cliques capital and other industrial areas with the goal of forcing a surrender from their political leadership.
To illustrate the commitment of the Japanese solderis that make up the Imperial units, here is part of the northern force after a major battle. Please note the fact that some are below 50% in strength and still fight on the offensive. The war in China must come to and end, we have eliminated so many of their divisions that we are now pushing to make the final breakthrough.
This has also had certain negative effects, the manpower pool is now down to 218 000 men and current units require close to 83 000 of those to reinforce to full strength.
The emperor is getting impatient, we cannot be bogged down in a war in China, we must finish this so we can take care of other prioritized areas.
However, this has also resulted in an ever increasing stream of heroes emerging from the Japanese ranks. Leaders and soldiers alike are now hardened veterans!
In the midst of all this carnage specially trained naval command corps are created in Japan, these will be used extensively in future operations.
Moving from the front to the war effort. The Japanese industrial machine is expanding faster and faster, crawing more land and more resources while at the same time fueling a transformation of the Empire that will match and supersede the western nations. New industrial zones are created as fast as we can appoint them.
With that in mind, the resource situation is good, both conquest and beneficial trades have strengthened our position.
As can be seen we have plenty of coal for energy production, strategic reserves of metal, while being used in ever increasing quanteties, is at an all time high with close to 80 000 tonnes in store. Rare materials are imported, mostly from the Soviet Union, but we have also secured new deposits in China. Oil is imported both from the Soviets and from America, both of them are more then willing to trade Japanese gold for more crude oil. We are now able to boast a strategic reserve of almost 22 000 barrels. Fuel reserves are also at an all time high with over 44 000 barrels and rising by the day.
We are building up our reserves of gold and resources to ensure the Japanese Empire is self sufficient and able to withstand even prolonged blockades.
With the resources under control Japanese command has identified Seoul, Xinjing and Niigata as special interest areas where maximum industrial capacity will be constructed. The first new factories in these regions will be completed by june 1939. This is a huge investment that will take several years to recoup. But in the long run it will pay off!
During the later part of 1938 it was decided that Japan should gear up the industrial efforts even more, disregarding the negative effects on our research efforts. The Empire of Japan is now putting an emphasis on heavy industry! Once you see the plans for 1939 you will understand why this move had to be done.
Looking abroad, the latest news from europe is that Germany is expanding. We are impressed with their military and political progress, what an amazing country. Perhaps we will deepen our talks about what to do with the communists, a potential ally perhaps?
Economical analysts have looked at what the western countries do to build up their economy during wartime. This has resulted in the following propsal:
While it might seem good on the surface, increased dissent will increase the need for consumer goods. Indirectly having a negative effect on Japans industrial capacity with unknown gains.
That is not good enough, the proposal is rejected.
The start of 1939 brings excellent news of a new high tech company called Toshiba. They have some interesting innovative breakthroughs that we can benefit from. Unfortunately private ventures like this take some capacity from our industry...
Continued expansion:
Late 1938 the keels are laid for another two fleet carriers, Unryu and Taiho in addition to the other four already under construction. The aircraft carrier is the primary weapon of the modern navy, and Japan will have the best navy in the world!
New victory parades are held during September to celebrate the encircled troops capture in the huge pockets created earlier during 1938. By the end of September the northern pocket was finally obliterated. For those keeping count China and its allies have now lost a minimum of 95 confirmed divisions + those annihilated in the middle of each pocket so far.
By the time we are done with the southern pocket that figure will be well over 135, a horrendous figure. You will also note that the fighting is far from over...
In the northern part of China the glorious Japanese forces have successfully eliminated a small pocket with 5 divisions and are now moving in on the fortified city of Yan'an. This city also hold one of few capable airports in the inner parts of China. Completely surrounding the city might not be neccesary, the emperor cannot wait for months while troops slowly traverse the inhospitable terrain and allow the enemy time to strengthen their defences. Combined attack on the already shaken enemy will win the day!
The yellow markings on the map show the border as it stood in July 1938. Also note that attacks are primarily made through regions such as plains and avoiding mountains and river crossings where possible. This is not something that is apparant on these maps, but operational command take such things into account when planning offensives.
Now, the central and southern front, once again, yellow indicates the status from June 1938.
By late October the southern pocket is finally eliminated and the battered divisions are allowed a few days of rest as they take up their positions for renewed assaults. The later part of 1938 has seen some of the harshest fighting of the war so far. At the same time the short lull in the fighting is only a prelude to even more fighting with promises of a very violent crescendo!
The southern forces main target is Guangxi Cliques capital and other industrial areas with the goal of forcing a surrender from their political leadership.
To illustrate the commitment of the Japanese solderis that make up the Imperial units, here is part of the northern force after a major battle. Please note the fact that some are below 50% in strength and still fight on the offensive. The war in China must come to and end, we have eliminated so many of their divisions that we are now pushing to make the final breakthrough.
This has also had certain negative effects, the manpower pool is now down to 218 000 men and current units require close to 83 000 of those to reinforce to full strength.
The emperor is getting impatient, we cannot be bogged down in a war in China, we must finish this so we can take care of other prioritized areas.
However, this has also resulted in an ever increasing stream of heroes emerging from the Japanese ranks. Leaders and soldiers alike are now hardened veterans!
In the midst of all this carnage specially trained naval command corps are created in Japan, these will be used extensively in future operations.
Moving from the front to the war effort. The Japanese industrial machine is expanding faster and faster, crawing more land and more resources while at the same time fueling a transformation of the Empire that will match and supersede the western nations. New industrial zones are created as fast as we can appoint them.
With that in mind, the resource situation is good, both conquest and beneficial trades have strengthened our position.
As can be seen we have plenty of coal for energy production, strategic reserves of metal, while being used in ever increasing quanteties, is at an all time high with close to 80 000 tonnes in store. Rare materials are imported, mostly from the Soviet Union, but we have also secured new deposits in China. Oil is imported both from the Soviets and from America, both of them are more then willing to trade Japanese gold for more crude oil. We are now able to boast a strategic reserve of almost 22 000 barrels. Fuel reserves are also at an all time high with over 44 000 barrels and rising by the day.
We are building up our reserves of gold and resources to ensure the Japanese Empire is self sufficient and able to withstand even prolonged blockades.
With the resources under control Japanese command has identified Seoul, Xinjing and Niigata as special interest areas where maximum industrial capacity will be constructed. The first new factories in these regions will be completed by june 1939. This is a huge investment that will take several years to recoup. But in the long run it will pay off!
During the later part of 1938 it was decided that Japan should gear up the industrial efforts even more, disregarding the negative effects on our research efforts. The Empire of Japan is now putting an emphasis on heavy industry! Once you see the plans for 1939 you will understand why this move had to be done.
Looking abroad, the latest news from europe is that Germany is expanding. We are impressed with their military and political progress, what an amazing country. Perhaps we will deepen our talks about what to do with the communists, a potential ally perhaps?
Economical analysts have looked at what the western countries do to build up their economy during wartime. This has resulted in the following propsal:
While it might seem good on the surface, increased dissent will increase the need for consumer goods. Indirectly having a negative effect on Japans industrial capacity with unknown gains.
That is not good enough, the proposal is rejected.
The start of 1939 brings excellent news of a new high tech company called Toshiba. They have some interesting innovative breakthroughs that we can benefit from. Unfortunately private ventures like this take some capacity from our industry...
Continued expansion:
Late 1938 the keels are laid for another two fleet carriers, Unryu and Taiho in addition to the other four already under construction. The aircraft carrier is the primary weapon of the modern navy, and Japan will have the best navy in the world!
- 1
Part 14: Early 1939, naval build up escalates
By 1939 tensions with the Americans are rising, they are upset about alleged atrocities in China. I do not understand why they hold us responsible for something the Chinese started. I think the answer is simple, they do not want Japan to become an influential player in Asia.
Thus we must ensure that Japan is strong enough to deter the Americans. We will build a navy that is so powerful they will not dare challenge us!
Our 6 carriers in drydock will now be complemented by two new carriers, Katsuragi and Amagi. Keels are laid down early 1939 with expected completion dates mid 1940.
To expand our marine assault capabilities 5 new landing craft are also in production, this will enable us to land marines at multiple locations simultaneously. Planned completion date is late April.
We are also constructing new destroyers, light cruisers, fighters, medium bombers and dive bombers.
While communist guerillas have been a thornn in our side for a long time they have now reached entirely new levels and we are forced to make a very difficult decision.
As you can see the penalties are horrifying. Also note that I already have up to 35% revolt risk in occupied territory due to stacking penalties from hard/hard setting. I even had issues with revolts in mainland Japan.
Therefore I chose the last option, give them cake. Had I chosen the other options I would have had revolt risks of up to 45% in addition to the other penalties. I do not really understand the purpose of the huge penalties tied to this event.
On the battlefield during mid Janury we secure the mountainous province of Jingbian, just north of Jan'an. This is an important step on the way to securing Jan'an and its vital airbase and industrial capacity.
Here you can see the overview of the northern China front mid March with Jan'an in its center. Jan'an is a fortified city in mountain terrain making it very hard to conquer. Therefore our forces will surround the city and attack with overwhelming force to break the defence despite terrible combat odds.
The southern China front is now divided in a number of pockets. In addition to the 135+ divisions already encircled and destroyed we have now surrounded another 17 divisions in a small pocket to the east. 42 divisions in a pocket to the south and 53 divisions will be encircled in the large pocket to the north. In addition to this there is another 15 divisions in the border area where I am trying to sever the pocket. It is unclear if they will enter the pocket or leave once defeated.
If we manage to destroy all of these divisions the Empire of Japan will have annihilated close over 250 enemy divisions!
However, all this has come at a very high price! Imperial Japans manpower reserves are by mid March down to 69 000 men. Of these 13 600 are needed to reinforce divisions in the field...
Thus all forms of attrition is to be minimized, this actually reduced the opportunity for our units to aquire even more experience since we refocused our efforts to taking capitals and forcing a political surrender instead of annihilating the enemy formations.
Before ending this report we will once again review our industrial capacity. It is now up to 269 and increasing by the month as current industry is expanded and new industrial capacity is aquired in conquered territories.
By 1939 tensions with the Americans are rising, they are upset about alleged atrocities in China. I do not understand why they hold us responsible for something the Chinese started. I think the answer is simple, they do not want Japan to become an influential player in Asia.
Thus we must ensure that Japan is strong enough to deter the Americans. We will build a navy that is so powerful they will not dare challenge us!
Our 6 carriers in drydock will now be complemented by two new carriers, Katsuragi and Amagi. Keels are laid down early 1939 with expected completion dates mid 1940.
To expand our marine assault capabilities 5 new landing craft are also in production, this will enable us to land marines at multiple locations simultaneously. Planned completion date is late April.
We are also constructing new destroyers, light cruisers, fighters, medium bombers and dive bombers.
While communist guerillas have been a thornn in our side for a long time they have now reached entirely new levels and we are forced to make a very difficult decision.
As you can see the penalties are horrifying. Also note that I already have up to 35% revolt risk in occupied territory due to stacking penalties from hard/hard setting. I even had issues with revolts in mainland Japan.
Therefore I chose the last option, give them cake. Had I chosen the other options I would have had revolt risks of up to 45% in addition to the other penalties. I do not really understand the purpose of the huge penalties tied to this event.
On the battlefield during mid Janury we secure the mountainous province of Jingbian, just north of Jan'an. This is an important step on the way to securing Jan'an and its vital airbase and industrial capacity.
Here you can see the overview of the northern China front mid March with Jan'an in its center. Jan'an is a fortified city in mountain terrain making it very hard to conquer. Therefore our forces will surround the city and attack with overwhelming force to break the defence despite terrible combat odds.
The southern China front is now divided in a number of pockets. In addition to the 135+ divisions already encircled and destroyed we have now surrounded another 17 divisions in a small pocket to the east. 42 divisions in a pocket to the south and 53 divisions will be encircled in the large pocket to the north. In addition to this there is another 15 divisions in the border area where I am trying to sever the pocket. It is unclear if they will enter the pocket or leave once defeated.
If we manage to destroy all of these divisions the Empire of Japan will have annihilated close over 250 enemy divisions!
However, all this has come at a very high price! Imperial Japans manpower reserves are by mid March down to 69 000 men. Of these 13 600 are needed to reinforce divisions in the field...
Thus all forms of attrition is to be minimized, this actually reduced the opportunity for our units to aquire even more experience since we refocused our efforts to taking capitals and forcing a political surrender instead of annihilating the enemy formations.
Before ending this report we will once again review our industrial capacity. It is now up to 269 and increasing by the month as current industry is expanded and new industrial capacity is aquired in conquered territories.
- 1
Ouch, that MP shortage will hit you hard I bet.
Still following with great interest!
Still following with great interest!
Told you you would need that industrialisation of the farms
Don't worry, National Mobilisation Law (the best event for Japan ever) is coming...
Don't worry, National Mobilisation Law (the best event for Japan ever) is coming...
I'm having a real hard problem trying to figure out how you were able to pull off your industry at the start there. How do you get that 160 effective ic and deal with the huge upgrade bill? Does bringing those units back to the mainland make the upgrades cheaper or take less time?
Yes, while it was limiting for a while I had a solution in mind
Now that you are pointing it out, it might have been smart to have a bit more manpower so I could have trained the troops a bit moreTold you you would need that industrialisation of the farms
Don't worry, National Mobilisation Law (the best event for Japan ever) is coming...
Bringing the units to Japan is unfortunately forced by a dumb game mechanic. You can only upgrade or place new units in regions with direct overland access to the capital.
Thus ANY upgrades force me to move the unit to the Japanese islands. Also, all new units have to be ferried from Japan to the front. This constant movement of units cost a lot of time and complicated things.
However, I quickly set up a command structure with logistical experts in all positions, including the naval and air units. (added at corps level for max bonus)
This gave my units a huge bonus to supply consumption enabling me to focus more IC into production.
I also stopped all equipment upgrades since they could be done later.
In short I focused in getting as many units as possible. All else was secondary.
When it comes to 160 IC, I have 142 base IC and as soon as I mobilize the country early 1936 I go from 82 IC to 160 IC. If I was to do it again, I would probably make some changes to the way I upgraded and focuse on more active divisions by saving IC on the mixed support brigades since they are a very large part of all division costs. I would also upgrade more garrison units to fighting units.
When it comes to the upgrades themselves I just upgraded the brigades I needed and built the rest of them by hand.
It should be more efficient to build the units brigade by brigade instead of building finished divisions. I also built all new brigades as reserves, thus saving some cost.
- 2
I didn't know about that upgrade glitch that probably solves a lot of the questions I have. I was pouring tons of ic into upgrades and it wasn't going anywhere. The cags seemed like a ton of ic as well but for a fc I guess it makes sense.
Im not sure I understand what you mean here. There are two types of upgrades.
The upgrading of a unit, this is only possible with direct access to your capital:
Then there are equipment upgrades, this is how much IC you spend on upgrading your troops with for example new infantry weapons once they are researched. This does not require a connection to your capital, and it can at times be very expensive if many units require upgrades. During my initial buid up phase I turned this off to focus on building new units instead.
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Part 15: Tropical garrison units!
Based on field experience our scientists have created this wonderful new addition to our ranks.
After much debating and investigation we have concluded that the new units are exactly identical to our existing garrison units in every way shape and form
While we are continously developing and expanding the military might of the Japanese Empire, the war with China is entering a phase of total breakthrough where pockets of resistance exist, but the Chinese army has ceased to exist as a coherent fighting force.
They are far from defeated, but after having lost an enormous number of divisions the last couple of months we are confident of victory as soon as we are done with mopping up actions.
Starting March 1939 we had the following overview:
By April we had finally cracked the defences at the fortified mountain region Yan'an. We had over a quarter of a million men participating in the assault in addition to air support. This is further testament to the will of the Japanese soldier.
However, there is also a warning here, always be vigilant. During the summer the Chinese managed to surprise us completely by raising 20 brigades, mostly armored, far behind our frontline. While we where unprepared for it we quickly surrounded the enemy units and destroyed them before they could initiate offensive operations.
During the early summer our troops once again distinguished themselves in battle, one of our new heroes helped recruit more sorely needed men from mainland Japan. The courage and success of our armed forces has a very positive effect on the people of Japan and their trust in our leadership.
This was not limited to the Imperial Japanese Army, the Airforce finally received recognition for their hard work keeping Chinese fighters and bombers at bay and securing air supremacy.
With spare troops available the Empire of Japan once again review the status in Asia. To ensure the continued flow of resources and strengthen our position to the east against the British we have decided to liberate the people of Siam.
Our Special Naval Landing Forces attacked the capital and major cities forcing a surrender in less then a month.
The battle plan can be seen below.
Overall status in China by the end of August. The latest conquests have yielded new Chinese troops that we are putting to use in the Japanese armed forces. Pockets are eliminated and we continue to march west. However the vast distances involved is a limiting factor in terms of progress.
For political reasons that are completely unexplicable we are forced to hold back when it comes to China and make sure her lesser allies are conquered first.
By early September we are once again having a look at the manpower issue, currently we are in the negative and reinforcements have been cancelled to ensure new units can be built as planned.
As soon as this is resolved we will allow units to reinforce to full strength. Do not worry though, Imperial command has everything under control.
By November our manpower pool is empty and the armed forces need close to 70 000 men to reinforce. As has been communicated before, everything is under control.
When it comes to industrial progress we continue the expansion of military facilities, building new major airbases and expanding existing major airbases.
During the summer of 1939 the American relations are falling fast. They continue whining about some sort of moral highground. We fail to see the point, their latest ploy where they stopped trading and siezed Japanese assets in America has done nothing but annoy the emperor. Japans continued fighting ability is unhampered by American efforts, quite the opposite.
By now the Japanese strategic reserves of crude oil is at close to 45 000 barrels and rising by the day thanks to major trade agreements with the Soviet Union. Fuel reserves are at 82 000 barrels.
In response to potential American aggression we are expanding the naval programme further with the keels for carriers Shoho and Ryuho laid down. This is the ninth and tenth carrier ordered by the Imperial Japanese Navy even before the first new carrier has finished production.
Japanese shipyards are matching the demands set upon them and deliver with pride.
Our newest addition to the fleet is a refurbished Hiei!
"Starting in 1929, Hiei was converted to a gunnery training ship to avoid being scrapped under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty. She served as Emperor Hirohito's transport in the mid-1930s. Starting in 1937, she underwent a full-scale reconstruction that completely rebuilt her superstructure, upgraded her powerplant, and equipped her with launch catapults for floatplanes.
No longer bound by the restrictions of the Washington and London Treaties, the Imperial Japanese Navy proceeded to reconstruct Hiei along the same lines as her sisters. She received eight new oil-fired Kampon boilers and geared turbines, while her stern was lengthened by 26 feet (7.9 m) to increase speed."
To expand our western buffer it was also decided that the mountain regions of Xinjiang and Tibet will now be put under the protection of the Empire of Japan. Xinjiang possess impressive manufacturing capability that will be a nice addition to the Japanese industrial base. Incidently the Soviet Union has been looking their way, we know they have been trying to influence these countries and we suspect that they would strike had we not been faster.
Japanese troops are already en route to secure the area as soon as Xibei San Ma has been neutralized.
News from Europe include a pact between Germany and the Soviet Union. We do not like anything that expands the Soviet sphere of influence, we suspect they are warmongers.
Relations between Germany and Poland have deteriorated to the point of war. After issuing the following ultimatum which the Polish refused the Germans declared war on Poland. The outcome of this war will be interesting, we have heard that the German armed forces are impressive, we will certainly keep an eye on their progress.
When we are speaking of international news, the fantastic performance of Japanese aircraft has now resulted in foreign sales. We are already developing newer models so this will not pose a security risk. The transaction was approved.
However, our international fame does not stop there, late 1939 Imperial Japan was acknowledged as a Global Land Power!
Based on field experience our scientists have created this wonderful new addition to our ranks.
After much debating and investigation we have concluded that the new units are exactly identical to our existing garrison units in every way shape and form
While we are continously developing and expanding the military might of the Japanese Empire, the war with China is entering a phase of total breakthrough where pockets of resistance exist, but the Chinese army has ceased to exist as a coherent fighting force.
They are far from defeated, but after having lost an enormous number of divisions the last couple of months we are confident of victory as soon as we are done with mopping up actions.
Starting March 1939 we had the following overview:
By April we had finally cracked the defences at the fortified mountain region Yan'an. We had over a quarter of a million men participating in the assault in addition to air support. This is further testament to the will of the Japanese soldier.
However, there is also a warning here, always be vigilant. During the summer the Chinese managed to surprise us completely by raising 20 brigades, mostly armored, far behind our frontline. While we where unprepared for it we quickly surrounded the enemy units and destroyed them before they could initiate offensive operations.
During the early summer our troops once again distinguished themselves in battle, one of our new heroes helped recruit more sorely needed men from mainland Japan. The courage and success of our armed forces has a very positive effect on the people of Japan and their trust in our leadership.
This was not limited to the Imperial Japanese Army, the Airforce finally received recognition for their hard work keeping Chinese fighters and bombers at bay and securing air supremacy.
With spare troops available the Empire of Japan once again review the status in Asia. To ensure the continued flow of resources and strengthen our position to the east against the British we have decided to liberate the people of Siam.
Our Special Naval Landing Forces attacked the capital and major cities forcing a surrender in less then a month.
The battle plan can be seen below.
Overall status in China by the end of August. The latest conquests have yielded new Chinese troops that we are putting to use in the Japanese armed forces. Pockets are eliminated and we continue to march west. However the vast distances involved is a limiting factor in terms of progress.
For political reasons that are completely unexplicable we are forced to hold back when it comes to China and make sure her lesser allies are conquered first.
By early September we are once again having a look at the manpower issue, currently we are in the negative and reinforcements have been cancelled to ensure new units can be built as planned.
As soon as this is resolved we will allow units to reinforce to full strength. Do not worry though, Imperial command has everything under control.
By November our manpower pool is empty and the armed forces need close to 70 000 men to reinforce. As has been communicated before, everything is under control.
When it comes to industrial progress we continue the expansion of military facilities, building new major airbases and expanding existing major airbases.
During the summer of 1939 the American relations are falling fast. They continue whining about some sort of moral highground. We fail to see the point, their latest ploy where they stopped trading and siezed Japanese assets in America has done nothing but annoy the emperor. Japans continued fighting ability is unhampered by American efforts, quite the opposite.
By now the Japanese strategic reserves of crude oil is at close to 45 000 barrels and rising by the day thanks to major trade agreements with the Soviet Union. Fuel reserves are at 82 000 barrels.
In response to potential American aggression we are expanding the naval programme further with the keels for carriers Shoho and Ryuho laid down. This is the ninth and tenth carrier ordered by the Imperial Japanese Navy even before the first new carrier has finished production.
Japanese shipyards are matching the demands set upon them and deliver with pride.
Our newest addition to the fleet is a refurbished Hiei!
"Starting in 1929, Hiei was converted to a gunnery training ship to avoid being scrapped under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty. She served as Emperor Hirohito's transport in the mid-1930s. Starting in 1937, she underwent a full-scale reconstruction that completely rebuilt her superstructure, upgraded her powerplant, and equipped her with launch catapults for floatplanes.
No longer bound by the restrictions of the Washington and London Treaties, the Imperial Japanese Navy proceeded to reconstruct Hiei along the same lines as her sisters. She received eight new oil-fired Kampon boilers and geared turbines, while her stern was lengthened by 26 feet (7.9 m) to increase speed."
To expand our western buffer it was also decided that the mountain regions of Xinjiang and Tibet will now be put under the protection of the Empire of Japan. Xinjiang possess impressive manufacturing capability that will be a nice addition to the Japanese industrial base. Incidently the Soviet Union has been looking their way, we know they have been trying to influence these countries and we suspect that they would strike had we not been faster.
Japanese troops are already en route to secure the area as soon as Xibei San Ma has been neutralized.
News from Europe include a pact between Germany and the Soviet Union. We do not like anything that expands the Soviet sphere of influence, we suspect they are warmongers.
Relations between Germany and Poland have deteriorated to the point of war. After issuing the following ultimatum which the Polish refused the Germans declared war on Poland. The outcome of this war will be interesting, we have heard that the German armed forces are impressive, we will certainly keep an eye on their progress.
When we are speaking of international news, the fantastic performance of Japanese aircraft has now resulted in foreign sales. We are already developing newer models so this will not pose a security risk. The transaction was approved.
However, our international fame does not stop there, late 1939 Imperial Japan was acknowledged as a Global Land Power!
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All looks good so far... though you normally can annex Siam for free by event after you get Indochina following the Fall of France (of course, nothing wrong with 'speeding it along')...
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Excellent progress I'd say. I love how teh war with China is a real war and not the walkover it is in the regular game. Though I do worry about your casualties, will you have enough manpower to wage another conflict after this...
Ohh, I had no idea, like I said, this is my proper first game of BICE
Anyway, its always good to be ahead of time!
I can assure you it has been a struggle, some things I would do different if I was to replay the game today. I think I could have built a much stronger army prior to the war and also expanded to other areas earlier to improve my industry. when it comes to future wars, of course!
I have something of an ace up my sleeve, those who have played Japan probably know of it, but it might also come back to bite me
Part 16: The battle of Neijang
Late 1939 we get news from China of a brilliant defensive battle fought by a division of specialized light infantry lead by Nagai. He is one of our most experienced commanders and hard fighting in a multitude of combat situations have given him an impressive number of specialities. We will get back to a review of his other exploits later.
But suffice to say, he held off almost 370 000 men with a single division and just over 16 000 troops. (~23 to 1)
While he had losses and would not have lasted much longer he and his soldiers are truly the embodiment of Imperial will to win and unrelenting resolve in the face of insurmountable odds!
Efter the victory we immidiately ordered a coordinated counter attack on the Chinese forces!
Starting late 1939 Imperial command has decided to review combat efficiency from operations in China and start preparing for future operations. This review will look at leadership structures throughout the IJA, IJN and IJAAF.
A review of ongoing research projects have also been conducted, this resulted in a significant change of priorities.
Even with a fairly significant output of over 66 points, it is clear that Japan cannot keep up with the technological advances in both air, land and sea at the same time.
One outcome of this is that naval doctrine will be changed and refocused. Research and upgrades will now be focused on light cruisers, battleships and carriers. With priority on carriers. Heavy cruisers will remain in service for as long as they are useful, but mostly with secondary fleets or as escorts, same with destroyers.
Current battlecruisers will be rebuilt to carriers in accordance with the new naval doctrine, we have exxtensive experience with this type of rebuild where the Akagi is an excellent example.
To ensure maximum efficiency naval combat will be centered on carriers as the hammer and battleships as the anvil if we are forced into direct combat.
Standard carrier groups will be created around three fleet carriers escorted by five light cruisers. We have experimented with up to four carriers but ran into problems with fleet positioning.
We realize that we have not been vigilant enough in the continued expansion of the IJA, therefore militia units and other units suitable for retraining will be recalled to Japan. This way we can continue the expansion of the armed forces despite the current lack of manpower.
Late December Japanese forces take the city of Chengdu. This is the second last Chinese city to fall.
Meanwhile Japanese forces are marching into Golmud, the last major center of resistance in Xibei San Ma.
1940 will be the year of the rising sun as the Empire of Japan continues its relentless expansion!
Late 1939 we get news from China of a brilliant defensive battle fought by a division of specialized light infantry lead by Nagai. He is one of our most experienced commanders and hard fighting in a multitude of combat situations have given him an impressive number of specialities. We will get back to a review of his other exploits later.
But suffice to say, he held off almost 370 000 men with a single division and just over 16 000 troops. (~23 to 1)
While he had losses and would not have lasted much longer he and his soldiers are truly the embodiment of Imperial will to win and unrelenting resolve in the face of insurmountable odds!
Efter the victory we immidiately ordered a coordinated counter attack on the Chinese forces!
Starting late 1939 Imperial command has decided to review combat efficiency from operations in China and start preparing for future operations. This review will look at leadership structures throughout the IJA, IJN and IJAAF.
A review of ongoing research projects have also been conducted, this resulted in a significant change of priorities.
Even with a fairly significant output of over 66 points, it is clear that Japan cannot keep up with the technological advances in both air, land and sea at the same time.
One outcome of this is that naval doctrine will be changed and refocused. Research and upgrades will now be focused on light cruisers, battleships and carriers. With priority on carriers. Heavy cruisers will remain in service for as long as they are useful, but mostly with secondary fleets or as escorts, same with destroyers.
Current battlecruisers will be rebuilt to carriers in accordance with the new naval doctrine, we have exxtensive experience with this type of rebuild where the Akagi is an excellent example.
To ensure maximum efficiency naval combat will be centered on carriers as the hammer and battleships as the anvil if we are forced into direct combat.
Standard carrier groups will be created around three fleet carriers escorted by five light cruisers. We have experimented with up to four carriers but ran into problems with fleet positioning.
We realize that we have not been vigilant enough in the continued expansion of the IJA, therefore militia units and other units suitable for retraining will be recalled to Japan. This way we can continue the expansion of the armed forces despite the current lack of manpower.
Late December Japanese forces take the city of Chengdu. This is the second last Chinese city to fall.
Meanwhile Japanese forces are marching into Golmud, the last major center of resistance in Xibei San Ma.
1940 will be the year of the rising sun as the Empire of Japan continues its relentless expansion!
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Holy smoke that was an absolute massacre! Even for an attack across a river into the mountains against prepared positions that is insane! Well, at this rate it must be possible to bleed China white in no time!
This was an exceptional battle, most battles are not as successful. The main reason was probably due to the fact that Japanese troops had river crossing advantage, terrain advantage and insane leadership further multiplying the advantage as can be seen here:
Sadly enough, you cannot bleed Nationalist China dry, not even Luxembourg! Any AI-controlled country will get constant MP boosts in Black ICE and will thus never run out. Plus, it has to do with the fact that some events need MP to be deducted, and so if the country is at 0 MP and the event needs 200 MP and the event is scripted to make the AI have a 100% chance of choosing it...
The game will crash.